Tips from the team

Getting physically and psychologically ready for joint replacement surgery is a good plan Those who are better prepared tend to achieve better results

1) Educate yourself about your surgery

Learn as much as possible about the procedure, pre-op preparations, post-op care, precautions and possible complications

Ask your doctor to go over your surgical plan, outcomes and long-term care in detail

Attend the Hip and Knee School at Salem Hospital prior to your surgery�

2) Plan ahead

Schedule surgery when you can afford to take time off from work and when you will have the most support from friends and family�

3) Have a positive attitude

Be encouraged and focus on the high rates of success for total joint procedures�

4) Talk with patients who have had the procedure before

Hearing about successes can help you gain perspective and ease your mind�

5) Visualize getting your life back

The pain and deterioration of your joint severely diminishes your quality of life� Focus on how things will improve after surgery

6) Actively participate

Make a commitment to do your part to ensure a positive outcome and assume responsibility for your own care (i e , do exercises daily)

7) View the recovery process as a positive

This is time to rest and recuperate Time invested in rehabilitation is necessary for better health�

8) Prioritize physical therapy

Realize that the physical therapy phase of your recovery is critical for a successful outcome� Think of each exercise as a stepping stone toward improved strength, range of motion and function�

9) Prepare for downtime

Remember, you will be focused on your recovery for at least four - six weeks�

Organize, schedule appointments and take care of as many responsibilities as possible before surgery�

10) Take multi-vitamins and eat wellbalanced meals

Be particularly health conscious during the weeks and months leading up to surgery to promote better healing

11) Be conscious of infection

If you have any sign of infection anywhere in your body call your doctor You may need to postpone surgery until the infection has fully resolved Plan to purchase an antibacterial, antiseptic body wash called Hibiclens© – it is available at most local pharmacies and no prescription is needed� You will be instructed to wash your body with the Hibiclens© soap for five days leading up to your surgery.

12) Adapt your environment

Get ready for your homecoming before you come to the hospital�

13) Arrange for help

Plan for someone to be with you, especially for the first week or two at home. If no one is available, talk to an orthopedic case manager before you get to the hospital about a post-discharge plan� You can reach a case manager by calling 978-741-1200 and asking to speak with the Salem Hospital Case Management Department�

14) Never lose sight of your goals

The surgeon and surgical team do their work in the operating room and guide you to your recovery team With inspiration and hard work, you will achieve great success throughout your rehabilitation, recovery and beyond